Hobbies and interests
Animals
Food And Eating
Reading
Cultural
I read books multiple times per week
Erica Thompson
465
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WinnerErica Thompson
465
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
I am pursuing two associate degrees - one in the Environmental Engineering Technician program and another in Farm and Ranch Management. I live in a rural area where the growing season is brief, and the weather is unpredictable. However, I understand the need for alternative farming methods to meet the rising demand for local farm-to-table produce. This is also a more low-cost solution to the issue at hand.
To address this, I am educating myself in bioinformatics to create a year-round growing environment. I plan to utilize hydroponics, aeroponics, and horticulture techniques within a closed system in a four-season geodesic dome, also known as a "bio-dome."
My ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable alternative farming business that provides job opportunities, mainly for those residing in the South Dakota reservation. Alongside this, we will continue our online educational platform for nature and spiritual connection.
With my knowledge and dedication, I am confident that we can positively impact our community while being prosperous. This is a new and exciting offering that I have yet to see replicated in any form or fashion locally to this degree.
Education
Western Dakota Technical Institute
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Agricultural Engineering
Penrose Academy
Trade SchoolMajors:
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Trade School
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Farming
Dream career goals:
Licensed Cosmetologist
2007 – Present17 years
Sports
Lacrosse
Club2000 – 20044 years
Tim Gjoraas Science and Education Scholarship
WinnerIt all started when Covid shut down the world, and I needed a new source to provide for my family. Alternative agriculture has been very beneficial to us in supporting our family needs and the needs of local community members. We have been able to provide produce and meat for gatherings, workshops, and special occasions with anywhere from ten to seventy participants. This has led me to a current midlife career path change, as my original desired path was Cosmetology.
I am pursuing two associate degrees - one in the Environmental Engineering Technician program and another in Farm and Ranch Management. I live in a rural area where the growing season is brief, and the weather is unpredictable. However, I understand the need for alternative farming methods to meet the rising demand for local farm-to-table produce. This is also a more low-cost solution to the issue at hand.
To address this, I am educating myself in bioinformatics to create a year-round growing environment. I plan to utilize hydroponics, aeroponics, and horticulture techniques within a closed system in a four-season geodesic dome, also known as a "bio-dome."
My ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable alternative farming business that provides job opportunities, mainly for those residing in the South Dakota reservation. Alongside this, we will continue our online educational platform for nature and spiritual connection.
With my knowledge and dedication, I am confident that we can positively impact our community while being prosperous. This is a new and exciting offering that I have yet to see replicated in any form or fashion locally to this degree.
My goal is to include holistic land management to tend the land through the buffalo, chicken, and bees currently residing on the property. There is a harmony between the three that supports bringing back native grasses and plants that have been dormant for so long.
Up until now, this has been an expensive "hobby." I have utilized my time by doing market research and traveling around the area to acquaint myself with how the systems work and target the need.
I am looking forward to continuing on this path and providing a future for my children and generations yet to come. This is very important to me as to where I see the impact this will have on the community we are in and how it will benefit us for years to come. Thank you for your time in reading my essay, I greatly appreciate this opportunity.